A police inspector (name withheld) has reportedly committed suicide in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The late officer was attached to Gwange Divisional of Borno Police Command.

According to community sources, he was looking healthy when he was last seen three days ago.

It is unclear why the policeman took the action. His neighbors at Layin Bayan, Wulari Jerusalem area of Maiduguri raised the alarm on Saturday morning when they noticed his door was locked from behind and a strange oduor was emanating from there.

The matter was immediately reported to metro Division of Borno Police Command and some officers were deployed to the scene.

“It was early this morning that people in the compound observed strange odor emanating from his apartment; his door was shut from behind.

“The men of police from Metro and Gwange Divisions respectively came to break the door and his lifeless body was found on the floor of his bedroom. They are currently in the compound.” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report police authorities have not issued any statement on the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, ASP Kenneth Daso, did not answer calls when Daily Trust attempted to reach him. The telephone line rang out repeatedly.

Anyone mistakenly seeing President Bola Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging, according to Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence.

He said this while responding to the threat that the North might vote against Tinubu in 2027.

Daily Trust had reported that the forum, through its spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman expressed regrets that the region voted for Tinubu during 2023, noting that going forward, the region will prioritize unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.

But the immediate past governor of Zamfara State described the forum as a “political burden”, insisted that NEF is not, and can never speak for the region.

He added that he and other leaders would not allow “some elements” to bring Northern region into disrepute.

In a statement on Saturday, Matawalle wondered why many people overlooked what he termed “overbearing attitude” of the forum on issues that affect political unity and cohesion of the country.

"This NEF is more of a political burden to Northerners. The group is seeking to erode other people’s rights in order to be recognised or made relevant in the scheme of things despite the failure of their sponsored candidates in the 2023 general elections.”

“In as much as many have overlooked them in respect of their utterances, it is pertinent to underscore their overbearing attitude on issues that affect political unity and cohesion.

"They cannot offer any positive idea or thought about the future of Northern Nigeria or, indeed, of Nigeria and its unity and togetherness.

“We all know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR won the February 2023 presidential election convincingly. So, who is the NEF to want to undermine the president’s victory and even threaten to unseat him?”

The group is yet to visit any of the ministers dealing with issues of security, agriculture, water resources, police affairs, education, health, budget, foreign affairs or any head of security agencies in the country so far for first hand knowledge of government programs and actions. ”

“The majority of them are more interested in faulting the government so as to be recognised or accorded some relevance.

"Our region, the North, is united, disciplined and politically-driven enough not to listen and accept being teleguided by any group of elites who had fed fat in the past on the North’s resources and opportunities which had retarded development in the region and nation due to their selfishness.

“President Tinubu is poised to do a lot for the North as President of Nigeria, elected by the people of Nigeria, not by one ethnic group or the other, therefore, anyone mistakenly seeing President Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is making a mistake and should rethink.

"Such a person or group is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging. Therefore, the NEF’s statement allegedly expressing regret for voting for President Tinubu is unfortunate.

“NEF is not more than a group that has refused to accept reality and is living in delusion. The truth is that the North is proud of its support and vote for President Tinubu and will continue to be proud of her relationship with the President given the enormous change and development his government has brought to the region.”

Some suspected Yoruba Nation agitators, on Saturday, invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that the masked men were stationed at different locations within the area.

This situation, according to investigation, sent panic to the residents and road users along the routes.

Businesses and residents around Bodija, Ikolaba, and Awolowo were said to have quickly locked their shops and doors as some who were about to open for the day’s business turned back.

It was further learnt that the security operatives on duty at the secretariat were shocked as they were unable to disperse the agitators until the arrival of policemen from the state command and other anti-crime agencies in conjunction with members of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division, who demobilised them.

Operatives of the state security network codenamed Amotekun were also said to have been on the ground.

Motorists plying the route were said to have been making a detour as many other road users scampered to safety.

Road users en route Secretariat were diverted along Customs Junction as the Secretariat-Queen Elizabeth Road had been cut off traffic.

It was gathered that the efforts of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retd.), to calm the situation were futile, as the agitators insisted on hoisting their flag within the Secretariat.

As of the time of this report, efforts to get the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso’s reaction, were unsuccessful as his mobile number was not reachable.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, has announced the earnings of government-owned entities, ministries, departments, and agencies in February.

According to him, the revenue rose to N835.70 billion in February.

There was a notable growth of N681.45 billion, representing a substantial 441.78% surge from the N154.25 billion remitted in the 2022.

The Minister made the disclosure during a presentation titled “Reconstructing the Economy for Growth, Investment and Climate Resilience Development” at the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club, the minister made this statement.

“There is an increasing revenue contribution of MDAs and GOEs, growing from 154.25 in February 2023 to 835.70bn in February 2024 through an automated two-times daily sweep of 50 per cent of MDAs and GOEs IGR since January 2, 2024.

“We have set out a robust execution plan for a 78 per cent y-o-y increase in budgeted revenue in 2024, but implementing enhanced the government’s revenue assurance model is critical with a target budget deficit of 3.9 per cent of GDP from 6.1 per cent in 2023.

“We have taken prudent expenditure measures by minimising unnecessary redundancy, reducing leakages through digitisation and eliminating inefficiencies.

“There is also a revamped process for the commencement of 2024 capital expenditure payments for MDAs and GOEs, which is through direct payments to contractors while promoting a government-wide cost curtailment culture across all MDAs & GOEs,” he said.

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State clarified that the two commissions of inquiry established by his administration were not intended to target opposition members in the state. Responding to allegations from his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Yusuf stated that the probes aimed to promote transparency and accountability and address political violence in Kano.

During a visit from the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Yusuf emphasized the importance of ending political violence that has resulted in loss of lives and property. He assured that perpetrators would face consequences regardless of their political affiliations.

Yusuf highlighted his administration’s efforts in curbing political thuggery. Over 200 individuals apprehended by the Kano Police Command have repented and reintegrated into society. He emphasized the significance of youth empowerment and outlined initiatives to foster self-reliance among youths and women.

The governor outlined his administration’s priorities, including improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He mentioned ongoing projects such as constructing modern flyovers and upgrading health facilities across the state.

Yusuf disclosed the formation of a committee to investigate past administrations’ wrongdoings and misappropriation and recover looted assets and public funds.

Emir Bayero commended Yusuf’s commitment to development projects and urged parents to monitor their children to curb social vices and political thuggery. The Emir emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and traditional institutions in fostering development and maintaining peace in Kano.

Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, says he will attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon without losing a game.

The chess guru announced his intention on Friday via a post on his X page.

Onakoya said he would attempt to play several chess games for 58 hours without losing a single game.

He added that he hopes to empower illiterate children across Africa through the feat which will take place at Times Square, New York City, on April 17.

“On the 17th of April 2024, I will attempt to break the Guinness World record for the longest Chess marathon in the heart of Times Square New York City for 58 hours without losing a game,” he wrote.

“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education. You guys have been rock solid for me through the years.

“So I need all of us to come together now more than ever to show the world that the Nigerian spirit is unwavering and we can do great things from a small place against all odds.”

The Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon stands at 56 hr 09 min 37 sec.

It was achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, two Norwegians, on November 11, 2018.

Following the recent boat mishap that led to the death of Junior Pope, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has set up a committee to improve the safety of its members.

Pope, the actor, died on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.

The film star was on the trip with other actors and crew members.

AGN suspended all movies involving riverine locations on Thursday.

On Saturday, Emeka Rollas, the AGN president, in a statement by Kate Henshaw, the guild spokesperson, said the 13-member committee will “fine-tune the existing bye-laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines”.

The AGN boss also said the committee will work with other guilds and associations to”draft a bye-law” and recommend disciplinary measures against defaulters.

Rollas added that the committee will recommend a “royalty collecting body for performers in Nollywood”.

The committee will be headed by Emeka Ike while Jude Orhorha will serve as secretary.

Other members include Joke Silva, Femi Branch, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Patience Ozokwor.

“Following the recent fatal boat mishap on river Niger which claimed the lives of five film practitioners including renowned actor, John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope in Asaba, Delta State, the National President, of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, has set up a special committee with the following terms of reference,” the statement reads in part.

“Fine tune the existing bye laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines, and set protocols.

“Engage all relevant Guilds and Associations for the full implementation.

“Also Recommend disciplinary measures against erring members, producers and production companies.

“Seek further engagement with other Guilds/Associations and relevant stakeholders on drafting a general bye law for the industry.

“Recommend possible requirements in setting up a royalty collecting body or rights collecting society for performers in Nollywood.”

 

 

 

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speaks on sisters death, actors who rendered help

Nollywood actress, Jumoke Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as Esther in the popular sitcom, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, reportedly passed away in her sleep and was not ill.

This was disclosed by her younger brother, Adeola, during an interview with Punch, stating that Jumoke was planning on relocating to the United Kingdom before her demise.

According to him, the deceased wanted to relocate to the UK because she was not getting movie roles.

Speaking on why she publicly called out  Nollywood actress cum filmmaker, Funke Akindele, for not helping the deceased in her time of need, Adeola said he does not have her number, but his sister reached out to her through another actress, Paschaline Alex.

He said, “I did not reach out to her (Funke), because I don’t have her phone number, and I am not close to her. But, my sister had her number, and even sent another actress, Paschaline Alex to her, all to no avail.

“She (Funke) stopped calling her for jobs. Jumoke tried to know why, because she wanted to retrace her steps if she had committed any offence.

“She was an introvert, and usually kept to herself. She was actually not sick. She just died in her sleep.”

He added that though Jumoke had been buried, the family would organise a tribute event in a church on the 40th day after her death.

The esteemed family of the late Nollywood luminary, John Okafor, affectionately known by his stage persona, Mr. Ibu, has solemnly declared the scheduled date for his final rites.

This iconic figure, celebrated far and wide for his comedic brilliance within the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian film landscape, will find his eternal resting place in the embrace of his hometown, Amuri, nestled within the tranquil precincts of the Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State.

The announcement reverberated through a heartfelt statement, bearing the signatures of none other than the actor’s kin, notably his esteemed brother, Elder Sunday Okafor.

The family’s announcement eloquently conveyed their commitment to honoring their beloved with the respect and reverence befitting a hero.

“The deceased will be buried like a hero,” Elder Okafor stated.

The statement said the burial ceremony would begin on Tuesday, June 25th, with a high-profile novelty match. On Wednesday, June 26, there would be a session called Mr Ibu’s Night, which would involve a candlelight procession and live entertainment.

A Christian Wake will be held on June 27 at his compound in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West, while the funeral service will take place on June 28.

The five-day burial ceremony will be wrapped up on Sunday, June 30th, with a Church Thanksgiving for family members, friends, and well-wishers.

The statement reads,

“The Okafor family in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State wishes to honour the loving memory of our hero and a legend John Ikechukwu Okafor who even in death has left a legacy of love, laughter and liveliness.

“We would appreciate your esteemed presence as we lay to rest our son, husband, father, grandfather,brother, uncle and in-law on the 28th of June 2024.

“Kindly join us as we share the best and last moments with our icon.”

Okafor who had been ill since October 2023 was said to have died of cardiac arrest on Saturday, March 2, in Evercare hospital in Lekki.